savory

¹

especially British, sa·vour·y

[sey-vuh-ree]

adjective

more savory , savorier, most savory , savoriest .

1. having a salty, spicy, or piquant flavor; not sweet.

   Plantains, though they look very similar to bananas, can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, as they take on other flavors really well.

2. having or suggesting the flavor of umami.

   A farmhouse cheddar is combined with Italian black truffles for a distinctive earthy, savory flavor.

3. pleasant or agreeable in taste or smell.

   Savory aromas fill the air as our friendly staff serves up a variety of rich Southwestern dishes.

4. pleasing, attractive, or agreeable.

   The album is a savory blend of jazz and Afrobeat.

noun

plural

savories 

1. British.,  an aromatic, often spicy course or dish served either as an appetizer or as a dessert, as pickled fish or brandied fruit.

savory

²

[sey-vuh-ree]

noun

plural

savories 

1. any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Satureja, of the mint family, especially S. hortensis summer savory or S. montana winter savory, having narrow leaves used in cooking.

savory

/ ˈseɪvərɪ /

noun

1. any of numerous aromatic plants of the genus Satureja, esp S. montana ( winter savory ) and S. hortensis ( summer savory ), of the Mediterranean region, having narrow leaves and white, pink, or purple flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

2. the leaves of any of these plants, used as a potherb

Other Word Forms

• savorily adverb
• savoriness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of savory¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English savori; replacing Middle English savure, from Old French savoure, past participle of savourer “to savor”; savor, -y ¹

Origin of savory²

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English saverei(e), saverai(e); probably an alteration (by influence of savory ¹ ( def. ) ) of Old French sarree, from Old English sætherie from Latin saturēia

Word History and Origins

Origin of savory¹

C14: probably from Old English sætherie, from Latin saturēia, of obscure origin

Synonym Study

See palatable.

Example Sentences

The scents of grilled meats, savory sauces, and sugar hang in the air like sweet fog.

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The herbs steeped, releasing their piney, slightly peppery fragrance, alongside a spoonful of chicken bouillon, which nudged the sauce firmly into savory territory.

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For savory oats, I go one step further and whisk in a little white miso, which gives the whole thing a quiet, savory hum.

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It lent a subtle, savory funk — the kind that hums beneath the cheese rather than shouting over it.

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Next, a little deep-fried quail leg, crisp and savory, like a miniature Southern Colonel’s specialty or Bill Gorton’s riverside treat, paired with a sharp aioli.

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Related Words

• appetizing 
• aromatic 
• delectable 
• fragrant 
• luscious 
• mellow 
• piquant 
• pungent 
• spicy 
• sweet 
• tangy 
• tasty 
• tempting 
• wholesome 

When To Use

What does savory mean?

Savory describes the kind of rich flavor that’s most often associated with foods like meats and roasted vegetables.There are often considered to be five basic taste sensations: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory, or umami.Separately, savory is the name of several kinds of aromatic herbs of the mint family used in cooking, such as ones known as summer savory and winter savory.In the U.K., the word savory is also used to refer to a fragrant and sometimes spicy course or dish. (Such a dish may or may not be described as savory in the popular sense.)Example: That roasted mushroom dish was so savory—it had such a dark, rich flavor.